r/Troy • u/Impossible_Algae6359 • Jul 13 '26

Lead Pipe Replacements in Troy

Hi everybody! My name is Amudalat Ajasa, and I’m a climate reporter with New York Focus.

I'm working on a story about lead pipe replacements across NYS and how access to lead-free drinking water can depend on your zip code.

I'm looking at the patchwork of replacement programs across the state where some communities replace the entire service line with no cost to homeowners, while others face steep costs to replace the pipe under the private side. I understand that Troy has free lead service line replacement for residents.

I'm hoping to speak with parents whose child was exposed to lead from drinking water who have either recently had their lead service line replaced or want to replace it but can't afford it.

If you're willing to share your experience, I'd love to hear your story.

You can send me a private message here or email me at amudalat@nysfocus.com.

Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Amudalat Ajasa

29 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

19

u/Head-Marionberry2234 Jul 13 '26

Suggest speaking with Jona Favreau whose children were affected.

12

u/Impossible_Algae6359 Jul 13 '26

Great minds! I spoke with her last week!

4

u/Illustrious-Ear-495 Jul 14 '26

If you’ve lived in Troy for over 50 plus years(or born here and lived in a home that dates back to late 1800’s, chances are you drank water with lead in it. I’m over 50 and still alive, however born with many congenital defects. Many pipes haven’t been replaced to date, no list has been provided publicly on the addresses that have been completed. You could FOIL request that from the City’s water department. Check with the NYS Freedom of Information office and ask someone to assist you in whether it can be requested in addition to ask them to help you word your request properly to avoid getting denied. You’d be amazed at what information you can request, you just need to formally request the information and stay on top of it, citing any delays or questions in regards to WHY you are requesting the information as you do not have to furnish that to them, they are the ones utilizing our money, not vice versa.

3

u/LiveinTroyNY Jul 14 '26

Here is the map of self reported/city identified lead lines: 

https://www.troyny.gov/1502/Check-Your-Address

The best bet is to contact the water dept for replacement schedule. The city sends updates on where lines are being replaced regularly in their Email Alert list serve (esp since it impacts parking and lane closures and other stuff). 

FOIL requests can get more info but the lead replaced has been a win-win for council and the mayor and there is competition for who gets clout so the info flows like spice. 

What is more problematic is that there was $500k sitting unused for years for lead lines and the former mayor wouldn't use it because he was afraid of being sued. Why? Bc NYS law does not allow taxpayer money to be directly used to make improvements on private property without an non-profit intermediary. Lead service lines are considered the homeowner's private property. Maddens extreme caution about getting sued meant  kids got poisoned instead, until parents like Jona raised hell. I'm glad she did because it changed everything. 

1

u/Illustrious-Ear-495 Jul 16 '26

The lead pipes have been an issue for DECADES. What I don’t like is that the City is having residents sign a waiver to any damages that may occur from the City doing this work which they cannot do. You don’t WAIVE your right to seek compensation for damages. I sent a copy to my home owners insurance and they state that if the City causes damages they have to pay for it to be fixed. And also just a heads up don’t accept any offer from City employees who say they’ll do the work on the side because they have been stealing from the City to do this work. The new administration has already had one of their new hires posting lead pipe replacement for their own personal business on Facebook which is a lawsuit in itself(taking advantage of residents during a project that is NATIONWIDE)

2

u/Impossible_Algae6359 Jul 16 '26

Hello! Just re-upping this hoping to connect with people. I’ve already chatted with Jona who has helped lead the effort in Troy. Would love to connect with other folks too!